Drinking water in the South-East is cleaner than ever before, watchdogs announced today.
The 12th annual report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) said 99.72 per cent of the 600 samples taken in the region met standards.
Among the areas tested were Eastbourne, Haywards Heath, Uckfield, Battle, and Midhurst.
Michael Rouse, DWI chief inspector, said: "The programmes the DWI has been implementing to raise standards since 2000 are reaping rewards.
"The findings mirror results across the county, demonstrating year-on-year improvements in the quality of drinking water.
"South-East Water has made impressive steps in minimising the pick-up through lead pipes.
"This is good news for consumers, as it should ensure lower costs and less disruption as the need for replacement of pipes will be much reduced."
The DWI was formed in 1990 to ensure newly-privatised water companies provided safe water.
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